Stacker key locking device

ABSTRACT

A selectively operable stacker key locking device adapted to secure cargo containers either in vertical or horizontal adjacent stacked relation or to secure a container to a base support. The locking device includes a base member, a neck member and an elongated shank member to which a crosshead container locking member is connected. Internal means are provided to securely lock the shank member to the neck member thereby securing the container while several alternative means may be provided to secure the base member of the locking device to either another container or to a base support without interfering with the locking capability or functioning of the container locking features thereby providing independent alternative means to secure the locking device.

United States Patent [1 1 Strecker July 15, 1975 1 STACKER KEY LOCKING DEVICE [75] Inventor: William V. Strecker, Long Island City, N.Y.

[73] Assignee: Peck & Hale, Inc., West Sayville,

22 Filed: June 13, 1973 21 Appl. No.: 369,477

[52] US. Cl. 105/366 [51] Int. Cl. B65d 25/20 [58] Field of Search 24/221 R, 81 E; 220/15;

248/361 R, 119 R; 74/97; 105/366 A, 366 B, 366 C, 366 D, 366 E, 366 R [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,591,986 4/1952 Weiss et a1 24/230.5 2,648,730 8/1953 Wellworth 74/97 X 2,765,698 10/1956 Devine 85/5 2,962,245 11/1960 Molzan et a1, 244/115 2,972,175 2/1961 Abolins 24/221 3,042,227 7/1962 Tantlinger 214/15 3,052,941 9/1962 Abolins et a1 24/221 3,070,042 12/1962 Dunlap 105/368 3,083,670 4/1963 Harlander et a1.... 114/75 3,085,707 4/1963 Tantlinger 220/15 3,106,377 10/1963 Cotton 248/361 3,111,341 11/1963 Fujioka et a1 296/35 3,204,579 9/1965 Burns et a1 105/368 3,233,319 2/1966 Jensen et a1. 29/437 3,261,070 7/1966 Abolins 24/221 3,317,219 5/1967 Hindin et a1. 280/415 3,381,925 5/1968 Higuchi 248/361 3,387,571 6/1968 Matushek et a1. 105/366 3,389,663 6/1968 Gutridge 105/366 3,446,456 1/1971 Lunde 248/361 3,456,967 7/1969 Tantlinger et a1. 287/2 3,464,719 9/1969 Tantlinger 280/438 3,480,174 11/1969 Sherwood 220/15 3,486,787 12/1969 Campbel1..... 296/35 3,521,845 7/1970 Sweda et a1.. 248/119 3,540,091 11/1970 Marosy 24/221 3,545,713 12/1970 Larssen et a1... 248/361 3,556,456 5/1972 Lunde 248/361 3,556,458 1/1971 Erita et a1. 248/361 3,570,413 3/1971 Miller 105/369 3,593,387 7/1971 Georgi 24/221 3,612,466 10/1971 Arnold 248/361 3,691,595 9/1972 Backteman et a1. 24/221 R X 3,753,272 8/1973 Laidley 24/221 R X 3,767,255 10/1973 Bertolini... 248/361 4 3,768,857 10/1973 Horton 105/366 B X 3,796,404 3/1974 Shields 248/361 R FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 355,008 4/1973 Sweden 105/366 Primary Examiner'Roy D. Frazier Assistant Examiner-Robert W. Gibson, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Pennie & Edmonds [57] ABSTRACT A selectively operable stacker key locking device adapted to secure cargo containers either in vertical or horizontal adjacent stacked relation or to secure a container to a base support. The locking device includes a base member, a neck member and an elongated shank member to which a crosshead container locking member is connected. Internal means are provided to securely lock the shank member to the neck member thereby securing the container while several alternative means may be provided to secure the base member of the locking device to either another container or to a base support without interfering with the locking capability or functioning of the container locking features thereby providing independent alternative means to secure the locking device.

18 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PLATHA'E'EEJUL 5 1915 3.894493 SHEET 2 STACKER KEY LOCKING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to locking devices for securing members such as containers used for transporting cargo. The locking devices are intended to secure such containers either to a base support or to each other in adjacent stacked relation.

2. Description of the Prior Art Modern day cargo is transported by vessel, rail or in shipping containers which are generally secured or locked in a vertical or horizontal stacked arrangement while being transported. The containers are generally rectangular and are dimensioned within standardized ranges such that they may be removably secured to a deck or hatch cover, for example, while being transported. The containers may be either feet or 40 feet in length and generally include rigid corner castings which have a web facing on each respective side portion. The web generally includes an elongated or circular opening dimensioned and configured to accept locking devices such as coupling devices, bracket members and the like.

Up to the present, a container locking device has not been disclosed which provides, in addition to secure attachment of the containers, the versatility needed to lock the containers in a manner best suited to a particular situation while combining the strength requirements required to accomplish the task of securing the cargo in transit. Present container locking devices are expensive and in addition, do not have the versatility and locking capability such as the stacker key locking device which I have invented.

My copending US. Pat. Application Ser. No. 284,049 filed Aug. 28, 1972 relates to a Deck Socket Assembly and is a continuation-in-part of my earlier application Ser. No. 180,433 filed Sept. 14, 1971, now abandoned. Also my copending US. Pat. Application Ser. No. 159,447 filed July 2, 1971 relates to a Container Stowing System. Both of these applications also relate to cargo securing systems which are directed toward improvements in securing cargo such as containerized cargo in a manner which is suitable for capably securing it in transit.

Other related prior art patents are as follows: US. Pat. No. 2,963,310 to Abolins relates to coupling mechanisms which are particularly adapted for use in lifting containerized cargo whereby uncoupling may be accomplished with little or no damage to the lifting mechanism, container, or coupling pins. The coupling means includes a rotatable cross-head utilized to secure the coupling mechanism to the container. US. Pat. No. 2,736,272 to Elsner relates to a quick attachment connect/disconnect fitting having a bayonet locking projection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A selectively operable stacker keylocking device adapt d to secure a first member such as a cargo coning upwardly from the base member. The neck member is preferably dimensioned and configured to enter the opening of the web and defines an inner open portion which extends therethrough. An elongated shank member extends upwardly from the base member and through the inner opening of the neck member while being rotatably mounted within the neck member. A cross-head member is affixed to the upper end of the shank member, the cross-head member having at least one elongated flange dimensioned and configured to enter the web opening when aligned therewith in a first position. The cross-head member is rotatable to a second locking position such that at least one dimension of the cross-head exceeds a corresponding dimension of the web opening to lock the cross-head member within the web. Internal means are provided to securely lock the shank member to the neck member and base member thereby securely locking the shank member against movement out of the neck member when the cross-head is rotated to the locked position. Means are further provided on the lower portion of the base member for attaching the base member to a lower support means. These may include several alternative securing means as will be seen.

In a preferred embodiment the means to lock the shank member to the neck member is in the form of correspondingly positioned internal lugs on the surface of the shank member and on the inner portion of the neck member. When the cross-head member is in an unlocked position, the lugs are in an unlocked adjacent position. When the cross-head member and shank member are rotated to a locked position, the lugs on the shank member are also rotated to interlocking positions with the correspondingly position lugs in the inner open portion of the neck member and the shank member becomes securely attached to the neck member thereby preventing movement of the cross-head member away from the base member.

In a preferred embodiment, a twist lock device is provided in the lower portion of the base member having an elongated flange member for positioning into an opening in the web in the uppercorner of the container in a first position and is rotatable to a second locking position whereby the dimensions of the flange member exceeds the dimensions of the opening to prevent removal of the base member out of the opening of the container. In this embodiment a second container is placed on the first container and container lock and the cross-head is rotatable to a locked position for securely locking the two containers togther in vertical stacked relation.

Another feature of the container lock provides securing of a container to a base member such as a deck of a vessel or a hatch cover by a fusion-welded bead between the base member and the base support and extending about at least a portion of the periphery of the base member.

Another feature of the container lock provides for securing the base member to a base support by a key retainer having dovetailed side portions defining inwardly sloped side surfaces which are configured to slidably receive the base member of the locking device by correspondingly dovetailed side surface portions around the base member which is also configured to fit within the key retainer.

The container locking features of the present invention extend from the base member upwardly to the cross-head while the shank member does not extend through the entire unit. This permits versatility in'the selection of several independent types of base attach ments such as a twist lock, a fusion-weld, a key retainer or even a clamp means. Due to the strength requirements of such locking devices, the prior art devices have incorporated securing means having a shaft extending entirely through the unit while utilizing external securing means and thus precluding alternate applications such as those which are possible with the present invention. The present invention can be fabricated to exceed strength requirements to damage corner castings and facilitates ease of manufacture with simplified replacement of any parts required. The unique internal and integral securing lugs, combined with the cast steel base member which is integrally formed with the neck member, combines desirable attachment strength with lightness of weight and reduced manufacturing costs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DMWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stacker key container locking device having a twist lock base;

FIG.'2 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the stacker key container locking device;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the stacker key container locking device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 4-4 of FIG. 3;'

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the stacker key container locking device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the stacker key container locking device;

FIG. 7 is a view taken along lines 77 of FIG. 6 illustrating a preferred feature of the invention;

FIG. 8 is an illustrative of an alternate embodiment of the invention illustrating a preferred application thereof; and

FIG. 9 is an illustration of another preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following description the terms upwardly, downwardly, inwardly, outwardly, above and beneath are used for descriptive purposes only. It should be understood that theyare not intended to limit the invention or use thereof to any particular orientation or position.

Referring to the drawings there is shown in FIG. 1 a preferred stacker key container locking device 10 positioned on top of a lower container 12 with an upper container 14 in position about to be lowered onto the lower container 12. The locking device 10 includes a base member 16 and a vertical neck member 18 affixed to the base member and extending upwardly therefrom. The base member 16 and the neck member 18 may be of any suitable material having the strength required to firmly secure such containers. However, it is preferred that the base member 16 and the vertical neck member 18 are fabricated integrally of cast steel. The nect member 18 is preferably elongated as shown and dimensioned and configured to enter the substantially elongated opening 20 of a web 22 forming part of a corner casting of a container as shown in the drawings. When the stacker key locking device is used for such vertical stacking it is contemplated that the cross-head and neck members will enter the lower horizontal web member of the corner casting on the bottom portion of the upper container as will be described.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown an elongated shank member 24 extending upwardly from the base member 16, through an inner open position 25 of neck member 18 and rotatably mounted thereto. A crosshead member 26, which is preferably partially conical and elongated as shown, is'dimensioned to be aligned with the elongated opening 20 in web 22 of the corner casting while it is in a first unlocked position. The cross-head is preferably fabricated of cast steel integrally with the shank member. The container is lowered to the extent that the web member 22 clears the crosshead and the vertically extending neck member enters the substantially elongated opening as shown in FIG. 3.

Arcuate lugs 28 are provided on opposite surfaces of the elongated shank member and correspondingly configured and positioned arcuate lugs 30 are provided on opposed corresponding surface portions of the inner portions of the neck member 18 as shown in FIG. 3.

When the shank member 18 and cross-head member 26 are in an unlocked position, the lugs 28 and 30 are in unlocked relative adjacent positions. When the shank member 24 is rotated to the locked position shown in FIG. 6 by means of handle 32 connected to the shank member by bolt 34 the lugs 28 of the shank member 24 rotate between the lugs on the inner portion of the neck member 18 as shown to securely lock the shank and crosshead members to the base member 16 and neck member 18 thereby securing the upper container in position. The respective lugs are preferably fabricated of cast stell integrally with the neck member and the shank member. A detent spring 38 which is substantially in the formof a figure 8, in FIG. 4, is in engaging relation with the end portion of handle 32 such that the handle is biased to either a first position corresponding to a locked cross-head, or a second position corresponding to an unlocked cross-head. Referring to FIG. 4, rotation of the handle causes the apex end portion 39 of the handle 32 in the inner portion of the base member 16 to engageably slide past the spring while simultaneously compressing it. When the high point of the apex portion 39 passes the central upper portion of the spring 38, the spring returns to its uncompressed condition and prevents the handle from being rotated back to its original position without a substantial rotational force being exerted on the handle. Referring further to the drawings it can be seen that the basic container locking features of the present invention are substantially embodied in the base member 16, neck member 18, shank member 24 and cross-head 26. The shank member 24 does not extend through the entire unit. The invention thus provides several alternative means for securing the container lock to the lower member without affecting the basic container locking capability of the container stacker key locking device. For example, in FIG. 1 there is shown a preferred means for securing the container lock 10 to a lower container 12 in a manner which provides for locking of containers in vertical stacked relation. A twist lock 31 includes an elongated flange member 33 configured and dimensioned to be insertable into a substantially elongated opening 20 in a web 22 of a container corner casting 27 of a lower container 12. The flange is movable by a rotation or twisting motion of the entire container locking device to a second (or locked) position in which the dimensions of the flange exceed the dimensions of the substantially elongated opening so as to prevent the twist lock 31 as well as the entire locking device 10 from being removed from the container. When the second container 14 is stacked in vertical alignment with the lower container 12 as shown, the cross-head 26 and vertical neck member 18 enter the substantially elongated opening in the web 22 on the lower portion of the corner casting of the upper container 14 as shown in FIG. 3. By rotation of the handle 32 against the bias of stainless steel detent spring 38 the shank member 24 and cross-head member 26 are rotated to a position in which the cross-head member is locked within the web 22 as is shown in FIG. 6. At the same time the lugs 28 of the elongated shank member 24 are engageably received beneath the corresponding lugs 30 on the inner portion of the neck member 18 thereby securely locking the upper container to the lower container 12.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown an additional feature which may, if desired, be utilized in conjunction with the embodiment having the twist lock base as shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6. Neck member 18 is asymmetrically configured at both end portions to include buttresses 40 and 42 having respective sloped surfaces 44 and 46 extending from the side surface portion of the neck member 18 downwardly and outwardly (or laterally) to the base member 16 as shown in the partial cross-sectional views in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. Thus, it can be seen that when the upper container 14 is lowered onto the stacker key container lock 10 as is shown in FIG. 6, the neck member 18 will enter elongated opening in the horizontal web member 22 on the lower side portion of the lower corner casting 27 of the upper container and the web member 22 will engage the asymmetric buttresses 40 and 42 thereby causing the stacker key container locking device to rotate or twist in a direction which will result in the maximum engagement between the twist lock 31 of the base member and the horizontal upper web member 22 of the upper portion of the upper corner casting 27 of the lower container 12. This unique feature thus actually utilizes the container stacking arrangement as well as the weight of the upper container or containers to maintain a bias between the twist lock 31 of the base member so as to maintain it in a fully locked position with respect to the lower container. Thus, maximum locking capability is obtained. At the same time the shank member 24 is rotatable to a locking position which places the crosshead member 26 in a locked position with respect to the upper container 14. This provides a unique system of stacking and securing such containers in a vertical arrangement.

Another feature of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 in which the base member is conveniently attached to a base support such as a vessel deck or hatch cover 48 by a fusion-welded bead 50. Other means of attaching the base member to a base support known to those skilled in the art such as by clamping, bolting and the like are also contemplated within the scope of the invention. It can be seen that a single tier of containers may be secured to a base support such as a hatch cover 48 as shown in FIG. 2 or alternately, additional tiers of containers may be stacked on the first tier using the stacker key container lock having a twist lock base according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

In FIG. 8 there is shown a feature of the invention whereby a plurality of stacker key container locks 10 are positioned on an overhead support base (or alternately a lower support base, not shown) and positioned corresponding to the corner castings of at least one container. Interconnecting linkages 68 are provided and secured to the handles of each locking device such that a single locking lever is rotated to lock all of the container locks simultaneously. In such an arrangement either a single container or a plurality of containers may be placed on the requisite corresponding number of container locks after which rotation'of a single lever actuates numerous interconnecting linkages thereby rotating a plurality of shank members and cross-heads connected thereto and securing numerous containers to a base support at the same time.

Still another feature contemplated as part of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 9 wherein several stacker key container locks 10 are secured to an overhead support base (or alternately a lower support base, not shown) provided with key retainers 48 each having an opening 50 defined by members 52 having sloped surfaces 54 forming a dovetail interlocking means. Oppositely sloped mating surfaces 56 are provided on the base member 66 of the locking device 64 such that the container lock may be slidably positioned within the key retainers and preferably finally secured by inserting locking pins 58 in opening 60 in the key retainer 48 and opening 62 in the base member. In the preferred form four stacker key container locks 10 are positioned to correspond to each lower or upper (depending upon the installation) corner casting of the container to be secured.

1. A selectively operable stacker key locking device adapted to secure a first member to a base support or to secure a first member to a second member in an adjacent stacked relation, at least one member having a web portion defining an opening therein, comprising:

a. a base member;

b. a neck member affixed to said base member and extending upwardly therefrom, said neck member being dimensioned and configured to enter the opening of a web portion of a first member and said neck member defining an inner open portion which extends therethrough;

c. an elongated shank member extending upwardly from the base member and through the open portion of the neck member, said shank member being rotatable within the neck member and having locking means on the outer portion thereof;

(1. a cross-head member affixed to the upper end of the shank member, said cross-head member having at least one elongated flange dimensioned and configured to enter the opening defined by a web portion of the first member when aligned therewith in a first position and rotatable to a second locking position such that at least one dimensions of the cross-head member exceeds a corresponding dimension of the web opening to lock the cross-head member within the web",

e. locking means within the opening of the neck member and positioned adjacent said locking means on said shank member to cooperate therewith to securely lock said shank member to the neck member and base member at least when the cross-head member is in a locked position thereby securely locking said shank member against movement out of the neck member;

f. an elongated handle substantially rigidly connected to the shank member and having an inner end portion extending beyond the shank member within the base member, said handle further extending outwardly of the base member such that rotation of the handle from a first position to a second position results in a corresponding rotation of the crosshead from said first position to said corresponding second locking position;

g. resilient means within the base member positioned and configured for resilient compressed engagement with the inner end portion of the handle during rotation of the handle from said first position to said second position, and for resiliently maintaining said handle in one or the other of said positions, said resilient means being relatively stressed in a compressed condition at least during a portion of the rotational movement of the handle between its first and second positions due to the resilient engagement between the inner end portion thereof and the resilient means; and

means on the lower portion of the base member for attaching the base member to a second member or to a support means.

2. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 1 wherein the means on the lower portion of the base member for attaching the base member to a support member comprises a twist lock having a flange member dimensioned and configured to enter an opening in a web member of a cargo container in a first unlocked position and rotatable to a second locked position in which the dimensions of the flange exceed the dimensions of the opening.

3. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 2 wherein the neck member and the cross-head member have elongated configurations suitable for entrance into an elongated opening in a web of a cargo container so as to facilitate securing cargo containers in a vertical stacked arrangement.

4. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 3 wherein the elongated neck member includes two side end portions and the neck member further comprises one asymmetric lateral buttress extending sidewardly from each side end portion of the neck member in opposite directions with respect to each other, said buttresses having side surfaces which slope downwardly and laterally, said side surfaces being configured such that when the base member is inserted into the upper web portion of a lower cargo container, a web of an upper cargo container positioned on the lower container in a manner in which the neck member and cross-head member enter an elongated opening defined by a web portion of the upper cargo container, said web portion engages said buttresses in a manner which produces further locking rotation of the twist lock device with respect to the web member of the lower cargo container to increase the locking capability of the twist lock.

5. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 4 wherein the means to securely lock the shank member to the neck member and base member comprises at least one lug positioned on the outer surface portion of the shank member and at least one correspondingly configured lug is positioned on the inner portion of the neck member, said lugs being dimensioned, configured and relatively positioned such that when the cross-head member is in an unlocked position the lugs are in an unlocked relative position, but when the shank member is rotated such that the cross-head member is in a locked position, the lug on the shank member is rotated to adjacent relation beneath the lug on the neck member in a manner which prevents movement of the shank member out of the neck member due to the relative positions of the lugs.

6. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 5 wherein each of two opposed surface portions of the shank member has two arcuately configured lugs positioned thereon and each of two correspondingly positioned opposed inner surface portions of the inner open portion of the neck member has two correspondingly positioned mating arcuate lugs thereon, said lugs being dimensioned, configured and relatively positioned such that when the cross-head member is in an unlocked position the lugs are in an unlocked relative position but when the shank member is rotated such that the cross-head is in a locked position, the lugs on the shank member are rotated to an adjacent relation beneath the lugs on the inner open portion of the neck member in a manner which securely locks the shank member against movement out of the neck member and away from the base member due to the relative positions of the lugs.

7. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 6 further comprising:

a. an elongated handle rigidly connected to the rotatable shank member for rotating the shank member and cross-head member, said handle having an inner end portion defining a substantially configured apex; and

b. a detent spring positioned in engagin relation with the apex end portion of said handle for biasing the rotational movements of said handle in either a first position corresponding to an unlocked cross-head member, or a second position corresponding to a locked cross-head member.

8. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 1 wherein the means for attaching the base member to a support means comprises a fusion-weld extending from the lower side surface portion of the base member to the support means along at least a portion of the periphery of the base member.

9. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 1 wherein the means for attaching the base member to a support means comprises a key retainer having members defining an opening configured to accept the base member of the locking device, said members haivng inwardly sloped dovetail surfaces which face the opening and which slope dpwnwardly away therefrom, and the base member has mating side surfaces sloped downwardly and away from the base member, said base member further being configured to be slidingly received within the key retainer with the mating sloped surfaces of the base member in engaging relation within the dovetail surfaces of the key retainer thereby securing the base member with the key retainer.

10. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 9 wherein an elongated pin is positioned within a first opening defined by said key retainer and a correspondingly positioned opening defined by said base member to firmly secure the stacker key locking device in position witin the key retainer.

1 1. A system for securing at least one cargo container to a support base, said container having at each corner a corner structure with at least one web member defining an elongated opening, said system having a stacker key container locking device positioned at each corner of the lower portion of the container, the improvement wherein each stacker key locking device comprises:

a. a base member having side surfaces sloped downwardly and outwardly therefrom;

b. a neck member affixed to said base member and extending upwardly therefrom, said neck member defining an inner open portion which extends therethrough, said neck member further being dimensioned and configured to enter the elongated opening in the web member;

c. a cylindrically configured shank member extending upwardly away from the base member and through the inner open portion of the neck member, said shank member being rotatable within the neck member;

d. an elongated cross-head member rigidly connected to the upper end of the shank member, said crosshead member having at least one elongated flange dimensioned and configured to enter the elongated web opening when aligned therewith in a first position and rotatable to a second locking position such that at least one dimension of the cross-head exceeds a corresponding dimension of the web opening to lock the crosshead member within the web;

e. at least one pair of arcuately configured lugs on opposite surface portions of the shank member;

f. at least one pair of arcuately configured lugs on opposed surface portions of the inner open portion of the neck member, said lugs being dimensioned, configured and relatively positioned such that when said cross-head is in a first unlocked position within the web of the container, the lugs of the shank member are not in locked relative position with respect to the lugs of the neck member, but when the shank member is rotated such that the cross-head is rotated to a locked position with respect to the web member, the lugs of the shank member are rotated to an adjacent locked relation beneath the lugs of the neck member such that the shank member is locked within the neck member and resists movements away from the neck member and base member;

g. means to securely attach each base member to the support base;

h. an elongated handle substantially rigidly connected to the shank member and having an inner end portion extending beyond the shank member within the base member, said handle further extending outwardly of the base member such that rotation of the handle from a first position to a second position results in a corresponding rotation of the crosshead from said first position to said corresponding second locking position;

i. a detent spring within the base member positioned and configured for resilient compressed engagement with the inner end portion of the handle during rotation of the handle from said first position to said second position, and for resiliently maintaining said handle in one or the other of said positions, said detent spring being relatively stressed in a compressed condition at least during a portion of the rotational movement of the handle between its first and second positions due to the resilient engagement between the inner end portion thereof and said detent spring means; and

j. a plurality of substantially rigid linkages connecting the handles of each stacker key locking device in a manner which facilitates locking and unlocking each locking device simultaneously with the other locking devices by rotating a single linkage.

12. The system for securing at least one container to a support base according to claim 11 wherein the means for securely attaching each base member to the support base comprises a key retainer having side members which define an opening which is corresponding configured to accept the base member of the stacker key locking device, said side members further having surface portions which slope downwardly and inwardly away from the opening thereby forming a dovetail configuration to secure the base member of the locking device.

13. The system according to claim 12 wherein each base member of each locking device is further secured within its respective key retainer by an elongated member positioned within an opening defined by a side member of the key retainer extending through and a correspondingly positioned opening defined by the base member.

14. A selectively operble stacker key locking device adapted to secure a first member to a lower base support or to secure a first upper member to a second lower member in an adjacent stacked relation, at least one member having a web portion defining an opening therein, comprising:

a. a base member;

b. twist locking means on the lower portion of the base member having a flange member dimensioned and configured to enter an opening defined by a web member of said second lower member or base support for attaching the base member to said second lower member or base support by insertion into said opening in a first unlocked position and being rotatable to a second locked positon in which the dimensions of the flange exceed the dimensions of the openings to lock the base member against movement out of the second lower member or base support; I

c. an elongated neck member affixed to said base member and extending upwardly therefrom, said neck member being dimensioned and configured to enter the opening of a web portion of a first member and said neck member defining an inner open portion which extends therethrough, said neck member including two side end portions and further comprising one asymmetric lateral buttress extending sidewardly from each said end portion of the neck member in opposite directions with respect to each other, said buttresses having side surface which slope downwardly and laterally away from the neck member, said side surfaces being configured such that when the twist locking means is inserted into an elongated opening in an upper web portion of a base support or a second lower member such as a cargo container, and a first upper member such as a cargo container having a web which defines an elongated opening configured to receive said neck member is positioned thereover so as to permit the neck member to enter the opening of the web of the first upper member, portions of the web defining said elongated opening engage said buttresses in a manner which produces further locking rotation of the twist locking means with respect to the base support or second lower member to thereby increase the locked engagement of the base member to the base support or lower member;

d. an elongated shank member extending upwardly from the base member and through the open portion of the neck member, said shank member being rotatable within the neck member;

e. an elongated cross-head member affixed to the upper end of the upper end of the shank member, said cross-head member having at least one flange member dimensioned and configured to enter an opening defined by a web portion of the first upper.

member when aligned therewith over the lower member or base support and the cross-head member is rotatable to a second locking position such that at least one dimension of the crosshead member exceeds a corresponding dimension of the web opening to lock the cross-head member within the web; and 7 means to securely locksaid shank member to the neck member and base member when the crosshead member is in a locked position thereby securely locking said shank member against movement out of the neck member.

15. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 14 wherein the means to securely lock'the shank member to the neck member and base member comprises at least one lug positioned on the outer surface portion of the shank member and at least one correspondingly configured lug is positioned on the inner portion of the-neck member, said lugs being dimensioned, configured and relatively positioned such that when the cross-head member is in an unlocked position the lugs are in an unlocked relative position, but when the shank member is rotated such that the cross-head member is in a locked position, the lug on the shank member is rotated to adjacent relation beneath the lug on the neck member in a manner which prevents movement of the shank member out of the neck m'ember due to the relative positions of the lugs.

16. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 15 wherein each of two opposed surface portions of the shank member has two arcuately configured lugs positioned thereon and each of two'correspondingly positioned opposed inner surface portions of the inner open portion of the neck member has two correspondingly positioned mating arcuate lugs thereon, said lugs being dimensioned, configured and relatively positioned such that when the cross-head member is in an unlocked position the lugs are in an unlocked relative position but when the shank member is rotated such that the cross-head is in a locked position, the lugs on the shank member are rotated to an adjacent relation beneath the lugs on the inner open portion of the neck member in a manner which securely locks the shank member against movement out of the neck member and away from the base member due to the relative positions of the lugs.

17. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 16 further comprising:

a. an elongated handle rigidly connected to the rotatable shank member for rotating the shank member and cross-head member, said handle having an inner end portion defining a substantially configured apex; and

b. a detent spring positioned in engaging relation with the apex end portion of said handle for biasing the rotational movements of said handle in either a first position corresponding to an unlocked cross-head member, or a second position corresponding to a locked cross-head member.

18. A selectively operable stacker key locking device adapted to secure a first cargo container to a second cargo container or to a lower base support in-adjacent stacked relation, the containers having corner supports with web portions defining elongated opeings therein, comprising:

a. a base member defining a horizontal slot;

b. a first neck member affixed to said base member and extending upwardly therefrom, said neck member being dimensioned and configured to enter the opening of a web portion of a first lower container, said neck member further defining an inner open portion which extends therethrough;

c. an elongated shank member extending upwardly from the base member and through the open portion of the neck member, said shank member being rotatable within the neck member and having a plurality of lugs positioned on the surface thereof;

d. a cross-head member affixed to the upper end of the shank member, said cross-head member having at least one elongated flange dimensioned and configured to enter the opening defined by the web portion of the first member when aligned therewith in a first position and rotatable to second locking position such that at least one dimension of the cross-head member exceeds a correspopnding dimension of the web opening to lock the cross-head member within the web;

6. a plurality of internal lugs positioned within the neck member and configured to securely lock said shank member to the neck member and base member when the shank member and cross-head member is rotated to a position whereby the lugs of the shank member are engagedly received beneath the internal lugs of the neck member to thereby securely lock said shank member against movement out of the neck member;

f. an elongated handle rigidly connected to the shank member and having an inner end portion extending beyond the shank member within the base member, said handle further extending outwardly of the base member through the slot thereof such that portion of the handle from a first position to a second position results in a corresponding rotation of the cross-head from said first position to said corresponding second locking position;

g. resilient means within the base member positioned and configured for resilient compressed engagement with the inner end portion of the handle during rotation of the handle from said first position to said second position, and for resiliently maintaining said handle in one or the other rof said positions, said resilient means being relatively stressed in a compressed condition at least during a portion of the rotational movement of the handle between its first and second positions due to the resilient engagement between the inner end portion thereof and the resilient means; and

. means on the lower portion of the base member for prevent the locking device for movement out of the web member or base support and a second cargo container having a correspondingly positioned lower web member defining a correspondingly configured and positioned elongated web opening may be locked to the lower cargo container or base support by positioning said second container over said lower container and permitting the first neck memher and cross-head member to enter said elongated opening of the lower web member of the second container and rotation of said handle rotates said cross-head member to the locked position in interfering relation with the web member of the upper container.

Page 1 of 2 UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION 9 PATENT NO. 3,894,493

DATED 3 July 15, 1975 INVENTOR( 1 WILLIAM V. STRECKER It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent Q are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 3, Line 65, "nect" Sh 1d d: ou rea --neck- Column 8, Line 56 (Line 6 of Claim 9) "hiaving" Should read:

having Column 8, Line 58 (Line 2' of Claim 9) "dpwnwardl'y" Should read:

6 -downwardly- Page 2 of 2 UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CETTFICATE 0F CORRECTION 0 PATENT NO. 3,894,493

DATED I July 15, 1975 lNVENT0R(5 1 WILLIAM v. STRECKER It is certified that error appears in the ab0ve-identified patent and that said Letters Patent 3 are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 9, Line 4 (Line 6 of Claim 10) "witin" Should read:

within Column'l0, Line 9 (Line 9 of Claim 11) "staeker" Should read:

a stacker Column 10, Line 31 (Line 1 of Claim 14) "operble" Should read:

operable Column 12, Line 56 (Line 56 of Claim 18) "portion" Should read:

' -rotation- Column 12, Line 65 (Line 65 of Claim 18) "rof" Should read:

Etigned and Sealed this 6 thirteenth Day of April1976 [SEAL] Arrest.

) .l) l (INS and Trademarks 

1. A selectively operable stacker key locking device adapted to secure a first member to a base support or to secure a first member to a second member in an adjacent stacked relation, at least one member having a web portion defining an opening therein, comprising: a. a base member; b. a neck member affixed to said base member and extending upwardly therefrom, said neck member being dimensioned and configured to enter the opening of a web portion of a first member and said neck member defining an inner open portion which extends therethrough; c. an elongated shank member extending upwardly from the base member and through the open portion of the neck member, said shank member being rotatable within the neck member and having locking means on the outer portion thereof; d. a cross-head member affixed to the upper end of the shank member, said cross-head member having at least one elongated flange dimensioned and configured to enter the opening defined by a web portion of the first member when aligned therewith in a first position and rotatable to a second locking position such that at least one dimensions of the cross-head member exceeds a corresponding dimension of the web opening to lock the cross-head member within the web; e. locking means within the opening of the neck member and positioned adjacent said locking means on said shank member to cooperate therewith to securely lock said shank member to the neck member and base member at least when the cross-head member is in a locked position thereby securely locking said shank member against movement out of the neck member; f. an elongated handle substantially rigidly connected to the shank member and having an inner end portion extending beyond the shank member within the base member, said handle further extending outwardly of the base member such that rotation of the handle from a first position to a second position results in a corresponding rotation of the cross-head from said first position to said corresponding second locking position; g. resilient means within the base member positioned and configured for resilient compressed engagement with the inner end portion of the handle during rotation of the handle from said first position to said second position, and for resiliently maintaining said handle in one or the other of said positions, said resilient means being relatively stressed in a compressed condition at least during a portion of the rotational movement of the handle between its first and second positions due to the resilient engagement between the inner end portion thereof and the resilient means; and h. means on the lOwer portion of the base member for attaching the base member to a second member or to a support means.
 2. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 1 wherein the means on the lower portion of the base member for attaching the base member to a support member comprises a twist lock having a flange member dimensioned and configured to enter an opening in a web member of a cargo container in a first unlocked position and rotatable to a second locked position in which the dimensions of the flange exceed the dimensions of the opening.
 3. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 2 wherein the neck member and the cross-head member have elongated configurations suitable for entrance into an elongated opening in a web of a cargo container so as to facilitate securing cargo containers in a vertical stacked arrangement.
 4. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 3 wherein the elongated neck member includes two side end portions and the neck member further comprises one asymmetric lateral buttress extending sidewardly from each side end portion of the neck member in opposite directions with respect to each other, said buttresses having side surfaces which slope downwardly and laterally, said side surfaces being configured such that when the base member is inserted into the upper web portion of a lower cargo container, a web of an upper cargo container positioned on the lower container in a manner in which the neck member and cross-head member enter an elongated opening defined by a web portion of the upper cargo container, said web portion engages said buttresses in a manner which produces further locking rotation of the twist lock device with respect to the web member of the lower cargo container to increase the locking capability of the twist lock.
 5. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 4 wherein the means to securely lock the shank member to the neck member and base member comprises at least one lug positioned on the outer surface portion of the shank member and at least one correspondingly configured lug is positioned on the inner portion of the neck member, said lugs being dimensioned, configured and relatively positioned such that when the cross-head member is in an unlocked position the lugs are in an unlocked relative position, but when the shank member is rotated such that the cross-head member is in a locked position, the lug on the shank member is rotated to adjacent relation beneath the lug on the neck member in a manner which prevents movement of the shank member out of the neck member due to the relative positions of the lugs.
 6. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 5 wherein each of two opposed surface portions of the shank member has two arcuately configured lugs positioned thereon and each of two correspondingly positioned opposed inner surface portions of the inner open portion of the neck member has two correspondingly positioned mating arcuate lugs thereon, said lugs being dimensioned, configured and relatively positioned such that when the cross-head member is in an unlocked position the lugs are in an unlocked relative position but when the shank member is rotated such that the cross-head is in a locked position, the lugs on the shank member are rotated to an adjacent relation beneath the lugs on the inner open portion of the neck member in a manner which securely locks the shank member against movement out of the neck member and away from the base member due to the relative positions of the lugs.
 7. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 6 further comprising: a. an elongated handle rigidly connected to the rotatable shank member for rotating the shank member and cross-head member, said handle having an inner end portion defining a substantially configured apex; and b. a detent spring positioned in engagin relation with the apex end portion of said hAndle for biasing the rotational movements of said handle in either a first position corresponding to an unlocked cross-head member, or a second position corresponding to a locked cross-head member.
 8. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 1 wherein the means for attaching the base member to a support means comprises a fusion-weld extending from the lower side surface portion of the base member to the support means along at least a portion of the periphery of the base member.
 9. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 1 wherein the means for attaching the base member to a support means comprises a key retainer having members defining an opening configured to accept the base member of the locking device, said members haivng inwardly sloped dovetail surfaces which face the opening and which slope dpwnwardly away therefrom, and the base member has mating side surfaces sloped downwardly and away from the base member, said base member further being configured to be slidingly received within the key retainer with the mating sloped surfaces of the base member in engaging relation within the dovetail surfaces of the key retainer thereby securing the base member with the key retainer.
 10. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 9 wherein an elongated pin is positioned within a first opening defined by said key retainer and a correspondingly positioned opening defined by said base member to firmly secure the stacker key locking device in position witin the key retainer.
 11. A system for securing at least one cargo container to a support base, said container having at each corner a corner structure with at least one web member defining an elongated opening, said system having a stacker key container locking device positioned at each corner of the lower portion of the container, the improvement wherein each stacker key locking device comprises: a. a base member having side surfaces sloped downwardly and outwardly therefrom; b. a neck member affixed to said base member and extending upwardly therefrom, said neck member defining an inner open portion which extends therethrough, said neck member further being dimensioned and configured to enter the elongated opening in the web member; c. a cylindrically configured shank member extending upwardly away from the base member and through the inner open portion of the neck member, said shank member being rotatable within the neck member; d. an elongated cross-head member rigidly connected to the upper end of the shank member, said cross-head member having at least one elongated flange dimensioned and configured to enter the elongated web opening when aligned therewith in a first position and rotatable to a second locking position such that at least one dimension of the cross-head exceeds a corresponding dimension of the web opening to lock the crosshead member within the web; e. at least one pair of arcuately configured lugs on opposite surface portions of the shank member; f. at least one pair of arcuately configured lugs on opposed surface portions of the inner open portion of the neck member, said lugs being dimensioned, configured and relatively positioned such that when said cross-head is in a first unlocked position within the web of the container, the lugs of the shank member are not in locked relative position with respect to the lugs of the neck member, but when the shank member is rotated such that the cross-head is rotated to a locked position with respect to the web member, the lugs of the shank member are rotated to an adjacent locked relation beneath the lugs of the neck member such that the shank member is locked within the neck member and resists movements away from the neck member and base member; g. means to securely attach each base member to the support base; h. an elongated handle substantially rigidly connected to the shank member and having an inner end portion extending Beyond the shank member within the base member, said handle further extending outwardly of the base member such that rotation of the handle from a first position to a second position results in a corresponding rotation of the crosshead from said first position to said corresponding second locking position; i. a detent spring within the base member positioned and configured for resilient compressed engagement with the inner end portion of the handle during rotation of the handle from said first position to said second position, and for resiliently maintaining said handle in one or the other of said positions, said detent spring being relatively stressed in a compressed condition at least during a portion of the rotational movement of the handle between its first and second positions due to the resilient engagement between the inner end portion thereof and said detent spring means; and j. a plurality of substantially rigid linkages connecting the handles of each staeker key locking device in a manner which facilitates locking and unlocking each locking device simultaneously with the other locking devices by rotating a single linkage.
 12. The system for securing at least one container to a support base according to claim 11 wherein the means for securely attaching each base member to the support base comprises a key retainer having side members which define an opening which is corresponding configured to accept the base member of the stacker key locking device, said side members further having surface portions which slope downwardly and inwardly away from the opening thereby forming a dovetail configuration to secure the base member of the locking device.
 13. The system according to claim 12 wherein each base member of each locking device is further secured within its respective key retainer by an elongated member positioned within an opening defined by a side member of the key retainer extending through and a correspondingly positioned opening defined by the base member.
 14. A selectively operble stacker key locking device adapted to secure a first member to a lower base support or to secure a first upper member to a second lower member in an adjacent stacked relation, at least one member having a web portion defining an opening therein, comprising: a. a base member; b. twist locking means on the lower portion of the base member having a flange member dimensioned and configured to enter an opening defined by a web member of said second lower member or base support for attaching the base member to said second lower member or base support by insertion into said opening in a first unlocked position and being rotatable to a second locked positon in which the dimensions of the flange exceed the dimensions of the openings to lock the base member against movement out of the second lower member or base support; c. an elongated neck member affixed to said base member and extending upwardly therefrom, said neck member being dimensioned and configured to enter the opening of a web portion of a first member and said neck member defining an inner open portion which extends therethrough, said neck member including two side end portions and further comprising one asymmetric lateral buttress extending sidewardly from each said end portion of the neck member in opposite directions with respect to each other, said buttresses having side surface which slope downwardly and laterally away from the neck member, said side surfaces being configured such that when the twist locking means is inserted into an elongated opening in an upper web portion of a base support or a second lower member such as a cargo container, and a first upper member such as a cargo container having a web which defines an elongated opening configured to receive said neck member is positioned thereover so as to permit the neck member to enter the opening of the web of the first upper member, portions of the web defining said elongated opening engage said buttresses in a manner whiCh produces further locking rotation of the twist locking means with respect to the base support or second lower member to thereby increase the locked engagement of the base member to the base support or lower member; d. an elongated shank member extending upwardly from the base member and through the open portion of the neck member, said shank member being rotatable within the neck member; e. an elongated cross-head member affixed to the upper end of the upper end of the shank member, said cross-head member having at least one flange member dimensioned and configured to enter an opening defined by a web portion of the first upper member when aligned therewith over the lower member or base support and the cross-head member is rotatable to a second locking position such that at least one dimension of the crosshead member exceeds a corresponding dimension of the web opening to lock the cross-head member within the web; and f. means to securely lock said shank member to the neck member and base member when the cross-head member is in a locked position thereby securely locking said shank member against movement out of the neck member.
 15. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 14 wherein the means to securely lock the shank member to the neck member and base member comprises at least one lug positioned on the outer surface portion of the shank member and at least one correspondingly configured lug is positioned on the inner portion of the neck member, said lugs being dimensioned, configured and relatively positioned such that when the cross-head member is in an unlocked position the lugs are in an unlocked relative position, but when the shank member is rotated such that the cross-head member is in a locked position, the lug on the shank member is rotated to adjacent relation beneath the lug on the neck member in a manner which prevents movement of the shank member out of the neck member due to the relative positions of the lugs.
 16. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 15 wherein each of two opposed surface portions of the shank member has two arcuately configured lugs positioned thereon and each of two correspondingly positioned opposed inner surface portions of the inner open portion of the neck member has two correspondingly positioned mating arcuate lugs thereon, said lugs being dimensioned, configured and relatively positioned such that when the cross-head member is in an unlocked position the lugs are in an unlocked relative position but when the shank member is rotated such that the cross-head is in a locked position, the lugs on the shank member are rotated to an adjacent relation beneath the lugs on the inner open portion of the neck member in a manner which securely locks the shank member against movement out of the neck member and away from the base member due to the relative positions of the lugs.
 17. The selectively operable stacker key locking device according to claim 16 further comprising: a. an elongated handle rigidly connected to the rotatable shank member for rotating the shank member and cross-head member, said handle having an inner end portion defining a substantially configured apex; and b. a detent spring positioned in engaging relation with the apex end portion of said handle for biasing the rotational movements of said handle in either a first position corresponding to an unlocked cross-head member, or a second position corresponding to a locked cross-head member.
 18. A selectively operable stacker key locking device adapted to secure a first cargo container to a second cargo container or to a lower base support in adjacent stacked relation, the containers having corner supports with web portions defining elongated opeings therein, comprising: a. a base member defining a horizontal slot; b. a first neck member affixed to said base member and extending upwardly therefrom, said neck member being dimensioned and configured to enter the opening of a web portion of a first lower container, said neck member further defining an inner open portion which extends therethrough; c. an elongated shank member extending upwardly from the base member and through the open portion of the neck member, said shank member being rotatable within the neck member and having a plurality of lugs positioned on the surface thereof; d. a cross-head member affixed to the upper end of the shank member, said cross-head member having at least one elongated flange dimensioned and configured to enter the opening defined by the web portion of the first member when aligned therewith in a first position and rotatable to second locking position such that at least one dimension of the cross-head member exceeds a correspopnding dimension of the web opening to lock the cross-head member within the web; e. a plurality of internal lugs positioned within the neck member and configured to securely lock said shank member to the neck member and base member when the shank member and cross-head member is rotated to a position whereby the lugs of the shank member are engagedly received beneath the internal lugs of the neck member to thereby securely lock said shank member against movement out of the neck member; f. an elongated handle rigidly connected to the shank member and having an inner end portion extending beyond the shank member within the base member, said handle further extending outwardly of the base member through the slot thereof such that portion of the handle from a first position to a second position results in a corresponding rotation of the cross-head from said first position to said corresponding second locking position; g. resilient means within the base member positioned and configured for resilient compressed engagement with the inner end portion of the handle during rotation of the handle from said first position to said second position, and for resiliently maintaining said handle in one or the other rof said positions, said resilient means being relatively stressed in a compressed condition at least during a portion of the rotational movement of the handle between its first and second positions due to the resilient engagement between the inner end portion thereof and the resilient means; and h. means on the lower portion of the base member for attaching the base member to a lower cargo container or to a base support including a second neck member extending downwardly away from the base member and angularly offset from the first neck member, said neck member having at its lowest end portion at least two laterally extending flange portions configured to enter into an elongated opening of a web member of a cargo container or said base support in a first position and rotated to a second position whereby the flange members are in interfering relation with the web member such that they prevent the locking device for movement out of the web member or base support and a second cargo container having a correspondingly positioned lower web member defining a correspondingly configured and positioned elongated web opening may be locked to the lower cargo container or base support by positioning said second container over said lower container and permitting the first neck member and cross-head member to enter said elongated opening of the lower web member of the second container and rotation of said handle rotates said cross-head member to the locked position in interfering relation with the web member of the upper container. 